(Newser)
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While some North Koreans have kept busy exchanging propaganda packages with South Korea and supposedly making H-bombs, other good citizens have reportedly invented the thing the world really needs: a ginseng-derived booze that doesn't cause hangovers. Citing an article in the Pyongyang Times, CNBC notes that the brewing process uses burned, boiled rice to concoct the 30- to 40-proof product, now being referenced as a "national scientific and technological hit," per CNN. "Koryo Liquor, which is made of six-year-old Kaesong Koryo insam [ginseng], known as being highest in medicinal effect, and the scorched rice, is highly appreciated by experts and lovers as it is suave and causes no hangover," the Times article on the new product reads, via the Guardian. The tincture is also said to "[exude] national flavor," the BBC reports.

The article—which claims the curious title of "Liquor Wins Quality Medal for Preserving National Smack," per NK News—also says that the brewing process cuts down on the ginseng drink's bitterness. CNBC notes that the "potentially miraculous" elixir was developed at the Taedonggang Foodstuff Factory. Of course, imbibers may have to take this news with a grain of tequila salt: As the Guardian notes, the same state media claimed last summer that North Korea had invented a ginseng-based injection that could cure SARS, MERS, Ebola, and AIDS. (North Korea tried to settle its Czech debt with ginseng.)